Nearly one in 4 people in Jacksonville have a direct relationship with the military-- either they are serving or are a veteran OR they have a family member who served. One of the biggest challenges a veteran faces is the transition from military life to the business world. But as Channel 4's Ashley Mitchem explains, Jacksonville is commending the dozens of local businesses who helped make that transition a little easier. 3 00-0509-1418-2338-431:0509:42 Mayor Alvin Brown was at JU today to recognize 140 local companies for their support in hiring veterans.Mayor Brown 04:56 it shows the value of our veterans who are well skilled have great leadership experience they believe in Jacksonville and love Jacksonville.The companies featured are a part of the city's Jobs for Vets program. The program helps Vets and their families transition from active military duty into military friendly businesses- like the 140 companies recognized.Michael Flemming is passionate about the program here in JAcksonville because he is a veteran and transitioned into the business world through the help of a similar program.Michael Flemming, Managing Director Deutsche Bank in Jacksonville 53:14 it's good for business here in Jacksonville because veterans bring a lot to the table they bring discipline, they bring experience, they bring a lot of traits that companies want The Jobs For Vets initiative isn't JUST finding a job for veterans- but also provides education and internship opportunities. 04:07 Jobs for veterans is one of my visions on making Jacksonville one of the most military friendly cities in the country. I believe when you serve your country with distinction you should be able to get a job and take care of your family CLOSE: 10:08 For more information on the Jobs for Vets program go to news4jax.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -

Of the nearly 900,000 people who live in Duval County, about one in every four residents has a direct link to the military. They're either active duty, retired, or have a family member who served.

Mayor Alvin Brown has vowed to make Jacksonville one of the most military-friendly cities in the nation. On Tuesday, he thanked local companies who are helping to make that a reality.

Brown recognized many local companies that gathered at Jacksonville University's Davis College of Business for their support of Jacksonville veterans transitioning active duty military in the Jobs for Vets program.

"It's good for business here in Jacksonville because veterans bring a lot to the table," said Michael Flemming, managing director of Deutsche Bank in Jacksonville. "They bring discipline, they bring experience, they bring a lot of traits that companies want."

Duval County has the largest concentration of veterans in the state of Florida, so with three large Navy bases in the area, it's clear the military members don't just live here while they're active. Many of them choose to make northeast Florida their home after they serve, something Victor Guillory, the director of military affairs for Jacksonville, says the city takes pride in.

"We like to think in Jacksonville that we appreciate our military and veterans community’s 365 days a year." Guillory said. "They certainly serve us protect our freedom every day of the year, so Mayor Brown has made it a commitment that we do more than just the recognizable events, the Veterans Days, Memorial Day events."

In total, Brown recognized 140 companies Tuesday morning for partnering with the city in the Jobs for Vets program.

"We have invited 140-plus some companies that have signed on to the city of Jacksonville and Jacksonville military veterans coalition website that is focused on connecting job-seeking vets with job-friendly and veteran-friendly companies from northeast Florida," Brown said.

Just one year ago, the online portal meant to connect veterans with jobs had only one company on the website. Now, it gets more than 20,000 hits a month, something Eric Wangerin, who served almost 19 and a half years in the Army, says is very helpful.

"They need a lot of coaching. It’s easy to forget you’ve got sergeant majors or senior officers that come off active duty that are used to commanding thousands of troops and they’re getting jobs as bus drivers and it’s hard to understand why," said Wangerin, whose nonprofit company is Association of U.S. Military Veterans.

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